Huinawai Reservoir

POELEELE STREAM· Kauai, Hawaii· Built 1902· Earth· 48 ft tall
High Hazard Irrigation Private

Key Takeaway

Huinawai Reservoir is classified as high hazard in Hawaii. It was completed in 1902 and is 124 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 48 ft (taller than 78.7% in HI)
Dam Length335 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage196 acre-ft
Normal Storage145 acre-ft
Surface Area8 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge680 cfs
Year Completed1902 (124 years old)
NID IDHI00104

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: October 11, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DLNR

Ownership

BBCP Kukui'ula Development, LLC

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Huinawai Reservoir?

Huinawai Reservoir is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Huinawai Reservoir?

Huinawai Reservoir is owned by BBCP Kukui'ula Development, LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Huinawai Reservoir built?

Huinawai Reservoir was completed in 1902, making it 124 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Huinawai Reservoir?

Huinawai Reservoir serves the following purposes: Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Huinawai Reservoir?

Huinawai Reservoir has a dam height of 48 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Huinawai Reservoir last inspected?

Huinawai Reservoir was last inspected on October 11, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.